George is expecting fireworks

THIS promises to be the tie of the round as last Friday Pontypridd won a tight league match at Sardis Road, but with Llanelli fielding a stronger-looking team for this cup encounter and having home advantage, it could be a match that is in doubt to the final whistle.

THIS promises to be the tie of the round as last Friday Pontypridd won a tight league match at Sardis Road, but with Llanelli fielding a stronger-looking team for this cup encounter and having home advantage, it could be a match that is in doubt to the final whistle.

Llanelli coach Kevin George has plenty of respect for Ponty, whose last loss was a comprehensive drubbing by Llanelli at Stradey in November. He said, "They are an attractive, well-coached team, who play similar rugby to us. The game should compliment our styles and could provide fireworks.

"We have a very young squad who will now experience a cup quarter-final and the further we go this season, the better. It is invaluable to their development."

Llanelli have won 142 ties to Pontypridd's 92 and by 9-3 in cup wins over Ponty, though the last two were in finals - Ponty won 20-17 in 2002 and Llanelli won 25-24 in 2005.

Pontypridd must stop Llanelli running and Nathan Strong, Dale McIntosh and company have to beat Dan Godfrey's pack up front, but Rhys Priestland is back to control play at fly-half for Llanelli.

One key man is Darren Lockyer in the Pontypridd centre. He came off injured last week and, if fit, he will oppose Paul Mackey in midfield, though it appears likely that he will join Neath next season.